Mumbai: BMC Removes Over 70,000 Illegal Hoardings In 2024, Yet No FIRs Registered Despite 29 Police Complaints

Being an election year, the city has seen an increase in the number of hoardings, banners, and posters across various areas. From January to December 18, approximately 70,930 illegal banners and posters have been removed throughout the city. Despite the fact that the police were informed in 29 cases, it is surprising that not a single FIR has been registered against the violators. While the number of such advertisements continues to grow, the BMC has failed to finalize and enforce a comprehensive 'Outdoor Advertisement Display' policy to regulate the proliferation of these hoardings.

Illegal banners and posters spike during festive seasons, particularly in September, when celebrations for Ganeshotsav and Navratrotsav lead to an increase in displays. This year, the city has seen a surge in political hoardings during the Lok Sabha elections in June and the state assembly elections in November. The Bombay High Court had reprimanded the Maharashtra government and civic bodies across the state for failing to adhere to its directives on curbing illegal hoardings and banners. However, even after the elections, these hoardings continue to clutter the city's landscape, contributing to the growing visual pollution.  

According to data received from the BMC's License Department, a total of 39,187 religious, 25,402 political, and 3,373 commercial illegal posters and banners were removed between January 1 and December 18, 2024. The highest number of illegal banners and posters were removed in the months of September and October, with 25,689 removed in September and 10,953 in October. The new draft policy mandates that no agency may erect or display advertisements such as banners, boards, or flags, without written permission. Unauthorised displays will be punishable under section 471 of the BMC Act, 1888, and The Maharashtra Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 1995, which can lead to up to three months imprisonment, a fine of Rs2,000, or both.